BOSTON, MA, USA I May 21, 2023 I Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:PIRS), a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing novel biotherapeutics through its proprietary Anticalin® technology platform for respiratory diseases, cancer, and other indications, announced the presentation of preclinical data from the Company’s inhaled connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) antagonist program, PRS-220, for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) at the annual American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference being held in Washington, D.C. May 19-24, 2023. The poster will be presented on May 21, 2023, from 11:30 AM to 1:15 PM (Session A67, P1052) and demonstrates that PRS-220 achieved proof of concept in a silica-induced lung fibrosis mouse model when delivered to the lung by inhalation and outperformed a systemically administered CTGF-targeting monoclonal antibody, reinforcing the transformative potential of a local intervention in this pathway. A copy of the presentation can be viewed HERE.

The poster also includes preclinical data demonstrating a favorable profile of PRS-220 for inhaled delivery and CTGF targeting in the lung, including a superior lung biodistribution profile compared to a systemically administered anti-CTGF monoclonal antibody, a lung PK profile supporting once or twice daily dosing in humans, and desired aerosol performance upon nebulization to effectively target pulmonary tissue of interest.

“Targeting CTGF is a clinically validated treatment approach for IPF, as shown by trial data from the intravenously delivered monoclonal antibody pamrevlumab. Based on the pulmonary pathophysiology associated with IPF, we believe that directly inhibiting CTGF in the lung with an inhaled therapy could result in more efficient target saturation, superior clinical efficacy, and greater convenience for patients,” said Shane Olwill Ph.D., Chief Development Officer at Pieris. “Our ongoing PRS-220 Phase 1 healthy volunteer study is on track to provide data in the second half of this year, and we are eager to initiate development in IPF patients to further evaluate the clinical potential of this promising investigational medicine.”

About PRS-220:

PRS-220 is an inhaled Anticalin protein targeting CTGF for the treatment of IPF and other fibrotic lung diseases. Previously reported preclinical data for PRS-220 demonstrated superior on-target potency compared to pamrevlumab, an intravenously infused CTGF antagonist in late-stage clinical development. Pieris continues to benefit from a meaningful grant from the Bavarian government, which supports early-stage development of this program.

About Pieris Pharmaceuticals:

Pieris is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that combines leading protein engineering capabilities and deep understanding into molecular drivers of disease to develop medicines that drive local biology to produce superior clinical outcomes for patients. Our pipeline is focused on inhalable Anticalin proteins to treat respiratory diseases and locally-activated bispecifics for immuno-oncology. Proprietary to Pieris, Anticalin proteins are a novel class of therapeutics validated in the clinic and by strong partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies. For more information, visit www.pieris.com.

SOURCE: Pieris Pharmaceuticals